Definitions of what is primary or secondary differs across the disciplines. For the sciences, this is how we would define the different types of sources:
Primary source literature in the sciences:
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documents the results of original research
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is written by those who have conducted the research
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includes firsthand information about their methodologies, data, results, or conclusions.
Secondary source literature in the sciences:
Tertiary sources in the sciences:
Characteristics of primary sources in the sciences include:
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Report original research, ideas, or scientific discoveries for the first time
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Report results/findings/data from experiments or research studies
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May also be referred to as primary research, primary articles, or research studies
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DO NOT include meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or literature reviews - these are secondary sources
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Are frequently found in peer-reviewed or scholarly journals
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Should explain the research methodology used (randomized controlled trial, etc)
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Frequently include methods, results, and discussion sections
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Are factual, not interpretive
